Anderson Cooper digs deeper into Christopher Dorner's "manifesto" and his complaints about the LAPD. The former police officer is on the run from law enforcement; he stands accused of murdering three people and injuring two others.

soundoff(46 Responses)

Claire McCarthy Lutzmann

Chris Dorner indicated in his manifesto that in August 2007, he had reported the use of excessive force on a suspect by Officer Teresa Evans; and that as a result (of crossing the "blue line"), he was accused of lying and was dismissed from the LAPD. Was a lie detector test ever administered on Evans? Shouldn't one be done now, by a separate entity, that is. This, I am sure, would help to clear his name.

February 17, 2013 at 10:57 am |

Cynthia

My prayers are wth him & his family. He was an honest cop. Everyone knows the LAPD has their own rules. Too bad it had to end this way. In my opinion I think the cabin was intentionally burnt. Sounds like something straight out of a Hollywood movie. If a movie was to be made about Chris Dorner, LLCoolJ should be cast as Chris.

February 13, 2013 at 10:49 pm |

Lacey

I would like to know why Chris Dorner is fired for filing a false police report. but the police officers who opened fire on two different trucks that resembled the truck that Chris Dorner was driving carrying innocent civilians. Not only did they open fire and shot multiple rounds into each truck but they shot those civilians riding in the trucks and the police get off with administrative leave with pay. I understand what Chris Dorner did was wrong, but what I don't understand is why these cops are getting off with just a slap on the wrists after they carelessly shot innocent people just because they were in a similar truck as a suspect they were looking for and it happened twice in different areas so what does that say about the L.A.P.D. they are just allowed to fire their weapons at anyone they want? How are they any different than Chris Dorner ?? Those police that shot and wounded those innocent people should at the least be fired, but they really need jail time, I am more than sure none of us could shoot at anyone we felt like let alone injuring them and then just walk away with no consequences... Where is the justice in what they did ??

February 16, 2013 at 1:59 pm |

johnny common

i heard former judge Andrew P. Napolitano, on the Geraldo show to day and he said Dorner lied about the incident – it would appear the system likes to call people liars who criticize them. i don't believe he lied and the system seems to create dorner by making the process unfair and destroy lives. so if you are a cop, then you better not report pollice abuse or your career is gone you liars you.

February 13, 2013 at 6:07 pm |

Adrian

I find it disturbing what they did however. Sure, he was a menace to society and the police force, sure it was time to get him off the street–but when we allow the police to be the judge, jury, and executioner (literally) we have a problem. They should have gone in, taken him down and taken him to prison. I hate having my tax dollors pay for criminals sitting in cozy cells watching HBO and relaxing too, but the police HAVE NO POWER to decide to kill whomever they decide is breaking the law/guilty. No way is this the right thing. I also see this as killing a US Veteran. That's right, like him or not this was a Naval Officer and he'd given a lot to this country. Something that many in the LAPD have not.

February 13, 2013 at 1:08 pm |

bob

Uh – just go out and arrest him? Did you miss that he killed in cold blood 3 completely innocent people – a girl, her boyfriend and a cop sitting in his car. That coupled with his "manifesto" suggested there was no way to have cops go in and rationalize the need for him to surrender and be brought in for due process.

February 13, 2013 at 10:17 pm |

Ann

You know, there was no witnesses to him shooting anyone, except by the same LAPD that cause it. Also, the police did not kill him, he knew from the beginning what he was doing, and wasn't going down without a fight. He wasn't killed by fire or the cops, he took his own life rather than get abused any further. If we have a heaven, I know he's there and God knows the truth.

February 16, 2013 at 12:44 am |

D France

Did you review the information contained in the CDs/DVDs sent to you by Chris Dorner? If so, why hasn't that information been released since he claims it will exonerate him?

February 13, 2013 at 11:17 am |

Barbara McBride

We have many US citizens with brain challenges due to disease, accidents, or violence. Interacting with people with
brain issues calls for kindness, compassion and respect. The pictures of Dorner speak of the light in his soul.
What a lot of chaos could have been prevented if Chris Dorner had been treated fairly.

February 13, 2013 at 11:04 am |

Ronald Geller

Why the LAPD beating victim’s father’s testimony was not hearsay:

Picture the reality –
(1) Dorner files complaint.
(2) Beating victim supports Dorner’s assertion.
(3) LAPD says we do not believe the victim merely because he is schizophrenic. (The basis for denying the testimony is the fact we cannot be sure he did not make it up.)
(4) Victim’s father proffers testimony that his son told him of the beating before he even heard anything about Dorner’s complaint. (That eliminates the possibility the victim’s testimony was made up. The odds are seriously against an individual having a delusion that perfectly matches a complaint he did not know about).

For this reason, explicitly pursuant to the Federal Rules of Evidence, this is non-hearsay. The reason it is not hearsay is that it does not meet the definition of hearsay. Hearsay is a statement made out of court presented for the truth of the assertion. The father’s testimony is NOT presented for the truth of the assertion (that there was a beating – if there was, he did not see it). It is merely presented to show the victim’s claim pre-dates his knowledge of Dorner’s complaint. For that purpose it is extremely relevant and the person providing the relevant fact is definitely available for cross-examination (another reason that it is not defined as hearsay).

In fact, again explicitly per the FRE, once this testimony is admissible for its stated purpose, the finder-of-fact is also free to use it as evidence in the prima facie case.

There is no law in any state in this nation that could provide any basis for LAPD's "legal" ruling on this "hearsay" issue.

In addition, if the father witnessed the injuries, that is also relevant non-hearsay. I do not know if that is true. It was the job of Dorner’s department lawyer to do that. He did not. BTW – to call the work of Dorner's department lawyer merely grossly incompetent would be the understatement of the century. His insurance company would be begging to settle for policy limits if a malpractice claim could be brought before a neutral magistrate. (But that is a big if).

February 13, 2013 at 2:35 am |

tony hansen

read California Appeals Court decision on Dorner

February 13, 2013 at 1:12 am |

B Flynt

The Illusion is real and the more real it becomes the more desperate they want it. Dorner is walking around blind without a cane. There is no excuse for this dudes actions. Everyone is racist and sexest and whatever else you want to call it. Learn to find your peace in the beast. Suggestion smoke, drink and get a date. It is what it is! Rome is burning. heres the cool thing we all have a front row seat. Life is good even if cops, politicians or bankers are not . You Know !

February 12, 2013 at 9:36 pm |

Josh Goldberg

I can relate to Christopher Donner. As a black man growing up in NYC I can write a book about how many times I have been pulled over and harassed in NYC, New Jersey turnpike, even profiled at various airports by racist law enforcement officers.. NYPD and LAPD are the worst police force in the country, full of racist and corrupt cops. I believe Donner is telling the truth about the lady cop and he got a raw deal for speaking out against racist white cops in the LAPD. Had Donner been white he would have never been fired but then again a white cop would have never reported the police abuse.

February 12, 2013 at 9:11 pm |

Tim Aitch

Before Anderson starting talking about smoke coming from the cabin, you could get a live feed on the CNN website showing the cabin burning. I don't know if that footage has been replayed. Once they lifted the roadblock off the mountain (just about the time of the burning cabin), you got to figure Dorner was dead. Cindy Bachman is talking as though he might be alive?

As Dorner is now dead or about to die, and won't gain any benefit, I hope CNN concentrates on the most disturbing aspect of this whole affair, which are the actions of LAPD senior management:

First they fired Dorner. Cops never get fired. The guy involved in the Rodney King beating has been promoted to Captain, with a staff of over 200. Two women were shot-up by cops because they drove the same kind of truck as Dorner; those cops won't get fired. Teresa Evans, Dorner's trainer, looks like, on the balance of probability to have kicked a handcuffed arrestee (pretty convenient to ignore a man's testimony because he may suffer from schizophrenia – this is clear abuse of his rights because he may be ill ), and tortured a handcuffed 70 year old woman. Her crime was spraying cold water on some tenants who weren't paying their rent. This Evan's shows the signs of being a dangerous sadistic psychopath; she doesn't get fired, but rather promoted to Sergeant.

One can go on, but what does appear to emerge from this tragedy is that there is a deeply disturbing criminal culture dominating senior LAPD management; psychopathic sadists get promoted while fundamentally decent guys like Chris Dorner get fired with absolutely no evidence of wrong doing. And let's not confuse what Dorner became after unjustly having his life destroyed, and the upright decent guy he was for most of his life.

Something tells me Dorner is telling the truth. Perhaps Anderson Cooper could meet with him with him at a secret location to discuss surrender with conditions that Dorner is not brutilized by arresting officers. Dorner's accusations against the LAPD apparently have merit from the postings I've read. This situation is very sad. I feel for the families affected as well as Dorner because he crossed a line noone should ever cross when he killed innocent people. I hope he dosen't think he will be set free, or that they will stop looking for him.

February 12, 2013 at 3:07 pm |

Gene

What, if any, consequnces do the officers who shot 2 innocent people suffer? Will they be charged with attempted murder as anyone else would be. or will there only be an internal investigation absolving them of blame because of stress?

February 12, 2013 at 3:01 pm |

Ronald Geller

They will be absolved because a Republican judge will issue a factual decision from the secrecy of his chambers which finds they had a subjectively reasonable belief their lives were in jeopardy. At that point, it's Katy bar the Door. The police can do whatever they want under those alleged conditions. Thank you Mr. Justice Scalia and pals.

February 13, 2013 at 1:13 am |

Kevin

Gene
I can empathize with Mr. Dorner – I say empathize – That being said. Two wrongs don't make a right. He should not have done what he did. I can understand completely his mental "Snap" . Clearly L.A.P.D. was wrong.(underscore) Now will the current police chief do what he said he would do? that being doing a personal reopening of Mr. Dorner's case. Lets see.
Kevin

February 13, 2013 at 12:03 pm |

K Chase

I am soooo proud of the American people who commented today. Everyone knows there is more to this story than the LAPD is willing to admit. That being said, the killing of innocent people is totally unacceptable and horrific. I pray for all concernd, incuding Mr. Dorner who felt he had no other options. The LAPD has a history of corruption and deceit.
May God convict their hearts to tell the truth and shame the devil !

February 12, 2013 at 11:42 am |

chuckhasman

this guy coulda brought attention to his plight/injustice without resorting to murder!! Hold hostages in a bank or something?? He crossed the line by resorting to lethal vigilante violence!!! I firmly believe he was treated unfairly-- all cops have a rule to protect their own even if they break any/all laws!!! They should change the motto from to protect and serve-– to collect and serve ourselves!! The truth is the truth is the truth!!!

February 12, 2013 at 11:29 am |

Stephen

Really Chuck, Sometimes when you do come forward you may be the only one there. Everyone is against you especially when you are opening a can of worms. No one wants to be the one who kept the secret. Distrust is always frowned upon especially when your life is dependent upon some one watching your 6. Try it sometime and see how you will feel.

February 13, 2013 at 3:32 pm |

Shacurr

It is very obvious to me this man was pushed over the edge and somebody had to pay as a result. The Rodney King beating should have been an eye opener. Racism in America still exist. I certainly don't agree with his actions, but the injustices must sease.

February 12, 2013 at 9:13 am |

David Samuel

Cops accuse people all the time without enough evidence to get a conviction or even for the DA to press charges. The cop isn't fired for it. We wouldn't have any cops if they were. It's "better luck next time", really. Accuse a fellow cop and get fired? Even a reprimand is uncalled for. You don't smell a rat? This stinks.

February 12, 2013 at 1:35 am |

Carlene

So does this mean if someone is fired at their job if they go on a murder spree they are a hero if the boss was wrong in firing him?

February 11, 2013 at 9:06 pm |

Tony

Dear Cardene,
In my opinion, the answer is NO. However, this one is totally different. There are many good cops in LAPD, but LAPD also has a history of corruptions and cover-ups. The Rampart is one clear example (even after the police reform due to the Christopher's findings). Also, In my life, I never see a single case where a person is willing to get killed just to protect his lying story, only cases to protect his/her truth which I deeply believe in this case.

February 13, 2013 at 12:33 pm |

Johnny

Loved your answer. Cuts through the bull and nails it.

February 16, 2013 at 4:43 pm |

henk bloemhard

Whereas violence and killing innocent people is never justifiable, Mr Dorner obviously feels very strongly that he can expose wrongdoing and corruption in the LAPD. No one can be driven by such conviction and such peril of his own life, unless his claims of corruption in the LAPD are indeed true. It is wrong of the LAPD not to investigate the alleged accusations, reopen the case led by someone outside of the LAPD, and extend the needed apology to stop any further killings. May God have mercy on Mr Dorner and on those who have wronged him. Perhaps this issue should come before the Governor of California?

February 11, 2013 at 1:46 pm |

bobbie

And he's sacrificing his life to do so. God help him to live and tell his story, and forgive him, keep him safe from those trying to frame and kill him. If the people don't take the country back... it's gone.

February 12, 2013 at 7:31 am |

Alex

You are quite correct. Thought Donner must be stopped, LAPD or the body overseeing LAPD should launch an investigation into the root causes of the problem and not the effects.

February 12, 2013 at 3:46 pm |

Jessica Hathaway

Henk, I couldn't agree with you more. Dorner's story is a clear testament to injustice. If this man was willing to give up his life to let the truth be known...we as a human race should think twice about what is being fed to us through the media. This is not the case of a man that had a history of psychotic tendencies or emotional disturbances. His former friends have even testified to his character as well as his conviction.

February 14, 2013 at 10:46 am |

c. lobel

memo to anderson cooper: no matter what the outcome into any investigation of dorner's firing & his complaints, the reporter should always – i emphasize the word always – preface the news report with a statement something similar to this one: "in regard to the allegations of chris dorner, no matter where the truth lies there can never be any justification to taking the law into your own hands & no employment dispute could ever be a defense to murder." even if his manifesto is proven to be 100% correct & truthful he will still be hunted down & captured or killed. if he is tried for these crimes he will be convicted & spend the rest of his life in prison. by investigating the allegations anderson cooper may be leaving the impression that chris dorner's action could have been justified & motivated by his possibly illegal dismissal or the coverup by the LAPD. if the report is preceded by a disclaimer that impression will be avoided.

February 10, 2013 at 11:28 am |

James, AL

c. lobel, I agree that nothing justifies the taking of another person's life, but it appears that Dorner believes sacrificing his life to shine a spontlight on a greater crime is necessary to bring about justice. Though his methods are utterly wrong, I cannot say they are not effective. I know people who live in LA who says that racism is pervasive with police there. Maybe, this will begin a new chapter towards racial harmony with the police department there.

February 12, 2013 at 1:24 pm |

Louis Trujillo

Why was dorner not reprimanded instead of being fired? Previous cases where lying has been the case with Police officers,they have been retained. Were there other circumstances? Officers recorded on video beating an unarmed person who shows no resistance have been retained. The Press should pursue this question.

February 10, 2013 at 9:52 am |

Hans Grete

It appears the public is fast seeing through the LAPD's BS. Even the father of the person who was attacked by the female office Dorner reported, saw there was a cover-up...his "all for one...one for all" words to Dorner tells the story of what truly happened. The blood of these crimes is on the faces of all those that covered-up the truth...though sadly the blood is also on the hands of Dorner...who has been honest to accept it. I suggest the LAPD "now" be honest and accept responsibility for their role!

February 9, 2013 at 10:30 pm |

Jennifer

I do have a problem with the boards findings. You have a victim who testifies. A police officer who witnessed it. But they state the victim isn't reliable because they are schizophrenic? Do they have any testimony from a psychiatrist. Where did they get that diagnosis and was he in a state of mind that he shouldn't be testifying or should they delayed it until he got his medications. And who decides which officer is telling the truth? If there were no findings where were the findings that this officer was lying about the incident? If a victim and a witness is not good enough, then how is only one person saying they were going to give someone a bad review and that may be why they said that hold up? Sounds like a bunch of crap to me. People treat people like dogs everyday. It is ridiculous. Stop treating people like crap and maybe they would not be shooting at you and your family. Everyone has went through what this guy has gone through and most of us walk away or move on but sooner or later if people get treated this way their will be a Dorner. Is it right? Probably not. But I will just try and be as fair and nice as I can to people. It is a sad day in America when the justice system is so obviously tainted that we have people taking it into their own hands and against the law specifically for that matter.

February 9, 2013 at 9:59 pm |

James, AL

Jennifer, I couldn't agree with you more. It seems to me that Dorner had a reason to be ticked-off at the very least. We do have to pay for our wrongs, in this life or the next. Its a sad day when such things happen. As my father use to say, "Two wrongs don't make a right!" Maybe, this will start a new chapter in racial harmony in LA and our nation.

February 12, 2013 at 1:40 pm |

Kent Santoriello

This guy has caused pain to people who had nothing to do with his firing, and there's no justification for that whatsoever. Having said that, it's clear his firing was an abomination. The LAPD intimates and harasses more than it protects and serves, and obviously believed Dorner to be a man too pure for their nefarious ways. It's tragic it came to this, but something was bound to happen sometime. One thing's for sure: No cop will take this guy alive.

February 9, 2013 at 5:24 pm |

jay

He said he got fired because he told on people in his department that were beating people senseless while on duty and they fired him for telling. I believe it. LAPD is corrupt as sin. And killing innocent people cops "thought were him?" Cover up if you ask me. Please investigate this as far as it will go. Killing people is never right, but neither is corrupt cops.

February 9, 2013 at 3:36 pm |

kate

In my opinion if cops were honest there wouldnt be a blue line, But instead a drug free white line of honesty to where even if you are a cop your still held responsible for your actions. Oh wait this is america, if you work for the government your not HELD ACCOUNTABLE for your actions! If you are that honest one, well lets just say you get fired!

February 9, 2013 at 3:33 pm |

Rick Bossen

As US Government Representatives continue their willingness to punish and imprison citizens, remove their God given and Constitutional rights, and refuse to address issues that reduce overall quality of life, I foresee more actions of retaliation by individuals such as Dorner.

February 9, 2013 at 2:44 pm |

Carlos

The question here is, Why hasn't there been an independent inquiry into the crime. This issue of racist police officers and corupt polititians in LA has been a serious problem.

February 9, 2013 at 1:34 pm |

A. Mabe

I believe Mr. Dorner has been labelled a trouble maker by his peers. The lengths he has gone "clear his name" is without questioning wrong, all life is precious and is to be cherished. I think there is more to this than has been reveled, I think the incident kicking the suspect probably really happened, this was the way to silence a squeaky wheel.

February 9, 2013 at 1:11 pm |

Sharon Mahoney

I know what Dorner has done is wrong, yet deep down inside of me I have a sneaking feeling what he said is true. Dorner should know better that doing violent acts does not condone violence !! I think he has passed the point of no return and he needs to be found before he commits more violent acts.

February 9, 2013 at 12:49 pm |

Richard

I imagine that those cops targeted on his letter must be crapping their pants at this moment, and if what he says is true, I don't really feel sory for them.

February 9, 2013 at 11:58 am |

ariel

Anderson SAVE THE DAY

The man says he will stop when the police apologize.

How about you ask for ie. challenge OR just find any officers from LA willing to say the guy was wronged.

The police SHOULD do this on their own immediately, they should admit grievance to save lives.

They could stop this whole thing NOW if they did that. If they won't, maybe you can, and use your charm to say what you are doing. You can talk directly to him like, "since you say you would stop if they admit your innocence, how about if you see these guys admit you have a point. OR let him see other people go on, like the public saying " we believe you and we will look into racism in the police once and for all but you still have to turn yourself in"

Anyway THANKS fot being honest on this story you are a real mentsch....

February 9, 2013 at 3:51 am |

bert

He's simply a HERO and now we want to throw him under the bus? He witnesses a female officer beat down a 70 year old women. He has the decency and courage to testify against her actions.His police dept. turns around and crucifies him!!! I understand this man. He"s a passionate man with a sense of right and wrong, he ran out of options. He"s a modern day Willian Wallace we need thousands like him!!!!! God Bless Him